Title: Small Scale, Big Impact: Harnessing nanomaterials to engineer a sustainable future

Lecturer: Dr. Georgia Potsi
Affiliation: Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser FORTH
Location: Room E130, Dept. of Mathematics' Bldg.
Virtual links:
Time: 16:00
Language: English

Abstract

Nanomaterials occupy a central role in modern materials science, offering a transformative platform for addressing global technological and environmental challenges. At length scales below 100 nm, quantum confinement and high surface-to-volume ratios give rise to distinct physicochemical and electronic properties that diverge significantly from those of bulk materials. Precise control over their chemistry and architecture enables systematic tuning of structure–property relationships and functional performance.

By confronting some of the most urgent imperatives of our time, nanostructured catalysts and hybrid materials deliver superior activity, selectivity, and stability in electrochemical and photocatalytic energy‑conversion processes. In parallel, within environmental systems, engineered nanomaterials offer powerful platforms for water purification, contaminant capture, and breakdown of pollutants. Beyond their impact on energy and environmental technologies, nanomaterials also drive advances in miniaturized, energy‑efficient electronics and enable next‑generation biomedical systems for sensing, imaging, and targeted therapeutic delivery.

Collectively, these advances position nanomaterials as an enabling class of engineered materials that support sustainability by promoting resource efficiency, cleaner energy production, reduced environmental impact, and improved human health.

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